Stormy Gray Day

More than once through the night, I was rattled awake by vivid lightning and booming thunder all the while heavy rain pounded against the house. I slept until almost 8am when I quietly slipped out of the room and headed downstairs to start some coffee. Mindy didn’t budge. Because it was Sunday, I didn’t do any calisthenics. Planned only a run.

The storms had passed, but it remained completely cloudy. I checked the forecast. It was still fairly warm at 71 degrees and expected to reach into the low 80’s during the afternoon. As she did the morning before, Mindy sent Eiknarf my way about 30 minutes later.  I could only assume that she was whining to be set free from the confines of our room. Barely down the stairs, I leashed her up and headed outside where she relieved herself right away, though we continued our walk down the street a ways.

Back at home, I made sure she had fresh water and food then headed back to my PC with a fresh cup of coffee. Probably sat at the PC for nearly an hour before deciding it time to do my Sunday run. It looked like it might rain again soon, at least judging by the radar. The storm system s seemed to be tracking parallel to I-71 which runs diagonally across the state. Everything to the south of I-71 didn’t appear to be getting much if any rain at all. 

I headed out very close to 930am and ran the usual 3 mile weekend trail.I was really happy that it rained overnight. Most landscapes were starting to look pretty ragged, drying out after such a wet summer. In fact, we might’ve gotten too much rain in July. And until I left for NYC, the lawn and flower beds were looking springtime lush.

The run was easy. Back at home, Mindy still wasn’t awake. I poured more coffee then spent time downloading pictures and starting Saturday’s blog. As far as I knew, we had nothing major planned. About the time that Mindy got up, it started to storm again. Rained hard, too. And I’ll admit it, I was staring out into the yard feeling almost helpless. It would be one of those lazy, do nothing days.

Mindy planned on going to the grocery store. The kids wouldn’t be home until mid-afternoon. Bella was still with Chrissy in Johnstown and Jacob was with his dad. It was sometime between 11am and 12noon when Mindy headed up for a shower. She made a remark about how nice it would be to have an omelet. And though it was nearing the lunch hour, I went ahead and whipped up a turkey, cheese, and spinach omelet for the two of us. It didn’t’ take me long. It turned out well.

After Mindy finished her breakfast she left for the grocery. Said she’d most likely invite my dad over for dinner later. That was fine with me. It continued to rain on and off through most of the early afternoon. I spent a lot of time playing around on the PC. I got a shower around 1-130pm. Felt good. I carried a week’s worth of running clothes down to put in the washer soon after. By then, Mindy was back from the grocery. Already had most of the stuff carried in.

While she finished putting groceries away, I folded the load of towels that was ready in the dryer. Mindy called my dad around 230-300pm to invite him to dinner, though at the time not entirely sure if he could eat with his surgery scheduled for Tuesday morning. He accepted the invite and shared that he could pretty much eat anything up till just before midnight Monday. Mindy shared that we’d be eating around 5-530pm.

With next to no football on TV and it raining outside, I was getting bored. I ended up getting out my Canon SX10-IS and taking some shots around the house. Haven’t used it since I got my new versatile pocket-sized Canon. In addition to fooling around with my camera, I took a nap never feeling that I got all the sleep out of my system from the overnight. Mindy said she felt the same way, too. Lindsey called at some point late afternoon or early evening to ask about coming over the following day for a visit. Sure. We agreed to pick her up near Ashley’s.

I continued tweaking the finished basement design using Excel up until dad arrived, which had to be pretty close to 5pm. By then both Jacob and Bella were home. Jacob wasn’t home even five minutes before he was off on his bike. Bella looked incredibly sleepy having stayed up most the night with her peeps at the Johnstown sleepover. She headed up to her room before dinner. We didn’t think she’d be awake long. In fact, Mindy guessed that she might fall sleep and remain that way all night.

Mindy made meatloaf for dinner. She didn’t say until later that she made it with half ground beef and half ground turkey. It was good. I doused mine in buffalo sauce. Dad liked it too. Dad said he was recently by Linda’s cemetery plot and said they had the foundation ready for the tombstone we bought her. He was eager to drive by and see if it was already in place.

It was near 630pm when he begged off for the night – early departure. I gave him a man hug and wished him well with his knee replacement surgery on Tuesday. He discouraged having visitors, at least that day citing the risk of infection.

Around 730-8pm, I tuned to ESPN who was showing a replay of the Oregon/LSU game from Saturday night. We already knew who won but watched anyway. I really like the Ducks new uniforms – dull black and electric green, just like my new running shoes. I made a Jack & Coke, the first such concoction in a long while. By the way, Bella was awake and down playing with her friends. Guess we lost that bet.

We might’ve watched the football game for  about 20 minutes or so when there came a knock at our front door. It was nephew Joe and his pal Chris. Mindy offered them a beer, but once they spotted the half gallon of Jack Daniels sitting out they immediately asked for some of that. However, instead of mixing it with Coke, they wanted it mixed with Orange Crush. They had me try it. I took one small sip. Reminded me of an orange Tootsie pop.  Not my thing.

Bella eventually called from the neighbors asking if she could spend the night. Mindy quickly nipped that in the bud. Told her she needed to be home soon. Bella came in and went right upstairs expressing her displeasure with Mindy’s decision. I reminded Mindy to go easy on her since she was overtired.

We hung out with Joe and Chris for a couple hours having fun talking and sipping some Jack. Jacob hung with us the entire time too.  Joe had quite a buzz going. In fact, I’m quite sure he had a good buzz going even before he got there. Not to fear. Chris was driving, and he seemed fine after having only two small drinks during their visit. I’m thinking it was around 1030pm when they left.

We weren’t up too much longer. All four of us headed up to bed about the same time. Eiknarf was sleeping with Bella.

Learning my CBC's

I got up a couple times through the night just to pee. And thinking back, I didn't go once while at Barley's earlier that evening. Must've had a beer back up. I woke for good near 745am. Mindy didn't budge while I brushed my teeth and then slipped out of the bedroom.

It was sunny. I prepared coffee then started calisthenics. I completed 55 sit-ups but then decided to skip push-ups to give my arms and shoulders a much needed two day reprieve. I've been extra stiff since last weekend's tree trimming. About ten minutes later I poured a cup of coffee then sat down in front of my PC. Among other things, I checked the weather forecast. It was already 77 degrees with an expected high of 96 under mostly sunny skies. That's about as hot as I can recall for an opening Buckeye game.

Must've been around 8am when Mindy sent Eiknarf downstairs. I enjoyed some coffee while playing around on the internet. I took Eiknarf out for a walk around 830am. We didn't walk far but more importantly, she took care of business. Back at the house I started writing Friday's blog. Come 930am I backed away from the PC and dressed and left for a run. Mindy still wasn't awake.

It was already more than 80 degrees under brilliantly sunny skies. It was considerably humid too. I ran shirtless, and only three miles. Inside, Mindy still wasn't awake. I picked up where I left off with my blog. I' thinking it was near 1030am when Mindy finally got up and joined me downstairs. We both spent time on our computers for the better part of the next half hour.

Last I knew, Bella wasn't coming home until sometime near 2pm, or just before she'd be leaving again with Chrissy, Makayla and Lillian for a sleepover in Johnstown. I was quizzing Mindy about Jimaken's pal Pez when I noticed Pez, Jacob, Bella, and Vincent, Pez's son, walking up to the front door. Hmm? Must've decided to bring Bella home early. We invited them inside where we struck up a conversation with Pez while Jacob took Vincent out to see the tree house.

They stuck around for about 20 minutes. While Pez was there we learned where and how he met Jimaken and what he did for a living. I wrongfully assumed him an attorney, too. He's not. Instead, he's a sales manager with a degree in computer illustration. Currently sells HP equipment as a 3rd party vendor. Looking to make a move from Cincinnati to CMH sometime in the near future.  He, Jacob and Vincent left for lunch around 1115am.

Mindy and I got a kick out of the fact that we were just talking about the guy when he walked up to our door. Meanwhile, opening kick-off was just 30 minutes away. I finished up Friday's blog just before kick-off. I didn't want to miss the very beginning of the season, this being a year of transition for the Buckeyes - new coach, new quarterbacks, etc.

By kick-off the temperature was 94 degrees and still rising. Not only was OSU stadium sun soaked, but it was baking in the intense heat too. Watching from the comfort of the AC seemed a far better alternative than paying $75 per ticket to watch it live. It didn't take long for the Buckeyes to establish themselves and take the lead. By halftime I believe they lead 21-0.  They made very few mistakes and both quarterbacks played decent. And honestly, both looked like sharper passers than Tyrell Pryor ever did, especially the true freshman, Braxton Miller. He's got an incredibly quick release.

At halftime I headed to the garage where I worked on Jacob's bikes. He & I talked about taking a few parts from his already broken down new bike and adding a little flair to the old one. But I quickly determined that those parts weren't the same size thus wouldn't fit. As an alternative, I worked to fix the problem with the new bike (the peddle mechanism) one more time. When I backed the oft loose nut completely away, I found three of the ball bearings making up the peddle bearing assembly rolling around loose inside the chamber. I repacked them then retightened the assembly one last time. The slender locking nut still has a tendency to strip when one tries to give it that last quarter turn. It really pisses me off that it's made so cheaply. On closer inspection, I could see that it was manufactured in Shanghai, China exclusively for Toys r Us. Hey, I am all for a global economy, and lord knows my 401k relies on the strength of that belief, but I'm just sayin'.

Mindy popped her head out a couple times, once to give me a scoring update. Buckeyes scored another TD right after halftime. I was probably out there 30 minutes. I headed back in the house to finish watching the game. The Buckeyes continued their domination of Akron allowing them to cross the 50 yard line I believe only once during the entire game. The final score was 42-0. I was happy to see them using Hyde as the premier running back. If you review my blog entries from last season, you'll see that he was my choice even then.

After the game Mindy left for a Target shopping spree. I stayed home planning to water flowers and watch more football. We made plans to dine out at CBC later that evening too. Soon after Mindy left, I headed out to the parched yard and watered all the deck flowers. It was hot and steamy. Some of our plants were drooping from the heat and a lack of rain. Hasn't rained at all since for nine days- the longest such streak all summer. After watering the plants I checked out my ravaged tomato plants a bit more carefully. I found where the alleged critter is getting under the wire fence I put up and around them - back in the corner under the English Ivy. Now all the plants have been destroyed. I blocked off his entrance with firewood hoping the stubs that remain might still bear a little fruit. I won't hold my breath, however.

Headed back inside where I searched my PC folders for the finished basement design I did a couple years ago. I couldn't find it. Then, out of blue, I seemed to remember saving it to my USB drive. I checked there, and sure enough, I found it. I pulled it up and immediately resaved it to my hard drive before making any edits.  Mindy and I were just recently discussing the possibility of moving the washer & dryer to the basement and using the existing laundry / mud room as a mud room exclusively. It's a ridiculously tight squeeze in its current configuration. I spent about 30 minutes fooling around making some edits to the original design. I decided to save it as two versions.

I finally got around to taking a shower around 4-430pm. Still in my running clothes, I reeked. After my shower, Eiknarf expressed an interest in heading outside. I took her unleashed out back. She only wanted to lay in the grass. She didn't take care of any business. We both heard what sounded like Mindy's horn after locking the Pilot doors with the remote. Eiknarf went charging around against my will to check it out.  She stopped halfway after I read her the riot act, eventually cowering to my approach. I picked her up and carried her in the house. Sure enough, Mindy was home.

Now near 530pm, Mindy suggested we head out early for CBC. We were dressed casually, me in white shorts, a black untucked polo, and my newer casual brown suede slip-ons. I felt good. While at Target, Mindy picked up some generic Aleeve. I took two before we left hoping to take the edge off my stiff shoulders. Actually, though, the worst was a few days ago. I was already on the mend. My hope was that the Aleeve would only quicken a full recovery. I'm thinking we left for CBC around 6pm.

As we exited the freeway onto Fronts St and then made the quick right on Liberty St, I noticed the Shadowbox theatre on the corner. Though never visiting its other location in Easton, I've heard nothing but great things about it. Supposedly the act is much like Saturday Night Live. I want to catch one of their acts soon. I saw something about a new brewery on the adjacent signage too. I suggested we circle back, but Mindy quickly nixed that idea saying that it was too hot.

Because it was so early in the evening the lot was only about 2/3rds full. And judging by everyone's attire, it looked like the lion's share of the crowd might've been post Buckeye game revelers. Mindy headed inside ahead of me while I snapped a picture of their famous signage. Turned out, Mindy found the only two barstools side by side over in the far corner. Took me a few seconds to cast my gaze that way and find her.

We both ordered beers, me their seasonal Hop Odyssey - an Amber IPA, and Mindy a Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald. Soon we ordered an appetizer, the spinach artichoke dip. For my money the best to be found anywhere coast to coast.

There remained one lone barstool directly to my left. That was eventually filled by an older woman who looked to have been at the Buckeye game just like everybody else. She ordered a glass of wine and their Asian salad. Her name was Ann. We chatted with Ann for quite a while eventually learning that she was Mrs Ann Pizzuti, from the well known Columbus Prizzuti family and the developers of Miranova and many other well to-do Columbus properties. Lately though, they're more well known for their charitable giving's, including valuable works of art.

We talked about almost everything from kids, school, business, restaurants, to our own downtown skyline. Ann was as smart a woman as you'll likely find with an insightful opinion about almost everything. But I was pleasantly surprised to find it easy to forget who she was, such well-known Columbus matriarch. Ann eventually asked for her check and begged off for home. She told us that after the Buckeye game, she left the grand kids with husband Ron, needing to get out for some food. Very funny, Very cute.  

Her vacated stool was soon filled by another interesting young woman in a sun dress with tattoos all up her arms, on her back and chest. We chatted with her, too. Turns out, she recently graduated from law school and is resting before taking the bar exam. I got the feeling she'll be one to be reckoned with. She didn't stay long, however, abandoning her drink after only sipping a 1/3 of it. She seemed to know one of our favorite servers, Jamie, fairly well.

We asked for our own check a few minutes later. I covered it along with the tip. It wasn't that much. If memory serves, about $40.  I tipped Jamie well then headed for the door. On our way out Mindy sprung for a CBC ballcap for me - $8. I drove us home.

 I asked Mindy to text our neighbors, Pat and Lisa, on our drive home inquiring if they were up for visitors. They were. As soon as we got home we each grabbed a beer and then leashed up Eiknarf and headed over. Pat was sitting on the enclosed patio by his lonesome but was quickly joined by wife Lisa and daughter Alaina. Among other things, we shared NYC stories. You may recall, they were there for 4 or 5 days the first week I was in town. They left the Sunday we got all that rain - about 6-8 inches and had a horrible travel delay.

We had a nice visit and must've hung out until near midnight. By then, all of us were getting tired. And just about the time that Mindy & I were heading for home a storm was starting to move in complete with lightning and wind, a welcome site given that it hadn't rained in nine days.  We made it home just before the rain hit. The sound of rain pounding against the house was music to my ears. Good night rain, lightning, and thunder.

Friday Night is Barley's Night

By the time I woke, brushed my teeth, grabbed my running and made it down to the kitchen it was 540am. I failed to prep coffee the night before so that was my first order of business. Once that was done, I launched into calisthenics - completing both sit-ups and push-ups in the space of about ten minutes.

I then took to my PC where I checked email, headlines and weather. It was a balmy 71 degrees, so I planned to skip a running shirt all together. Not only that, the day's high was expected to approach 97 degrees under mostly sunny skies. Funny thing is, Monday's high isn't even expected to reach 70 degrees with a low of 50. That's quite a contrast.

It was just after 6am. I had to quickly decided whether to meditate and stretch and then deliver Mindy's coffee, or simply do it then. I chose the latter. It was 606am when I sat the coffee on the her overpopulated night stand.  After a quick embrace I was back downstairs to meditate, stretch, and ultimately run.

I glanced at the stove-top clock just before heading out the door. It was 633am. The temp was ideal for a shirtless run. I was most appreciative of the lovely summer weather. It won't be long before I am bundled in the winter garb. I caught a glimpse of the gorgeous burnt orange sunrise just ahead of the 3 mile mark. Awesome! The last mile towards home was a breeze.

I considered watering the that pesky strip of grass before heading in but decided not. Instead I headed directly inside where Mindy was putting the finishing touches on breakfast. Bella was having a fried egg, too, although hers was purposely cooked to harden the yoke - a preference of hers.  Mindy asked Jacob to take Eiknarf out and apparently he did, though somehow I missed it. Mindy soon left for school, and Bella gave Eiknarf what remained of her egg. I headed off to the shower.

After replacing the batteries and cleaning my trimmer's blade with rubbing alcohol, it's working much better. I was shaved, showered, and dressed by 750am. I was downstairs putting the finishing touches on my lunch a couple minutes later. And like I do many Friday's, I packed my iPod. I also checked my credit card statement online. I couldn't remember if I had a balance or not. Nope, just my recent running shoe purchase. I won't have to pay that until early October. Cool! Just before heading out, Mindy texted asking me to give Jacob two Advil and a purple window pane.  Who knew they packaged that stuff now. Oh, wait. It was a purple Triaminic strip.

The kids and I headed out at 810am. I was thinking about driving the BM'er, but there's nothing fun about driving the convertible in 100 degree temps. I opted not. At the bus stop we met the neighbors and talked about weekend plans. Learned that Kenny will be out of pocket most of the weekend, and Chrissy's taking the girls, Bella included, to a sleepover at her friend Julie's place. Still haven't spent any time beyond a quick hello with Kenny since late July golf.

The bus arrived around 815am and soon the kids were off to school. Eiknarf and I headed back home, me still thinking she hadn't yet relieved herself. She did a lot of sniffing but nothing else. I was reluctant to head inside but had little choice. I couldn't stay out there indefinitely.

Secured the home then headed off to work arriving sometime near 835am. The 6th floor halls seemed almost barren. Not a lot of folks milling about. Once I got settled and found everything under control, I got busy on my to-do list which included finalizing the last of three NYC expense reports, submitting a few time-off requests, and following up with payroll on a pay issue. I used the new online chat option and it worked flawlessly. Felt good to get those personal issues out of the way, though I still have 6 vacation days I have to schedule or I'll lose them at the end of the year.

Checking my calendar, I had a 2pm meeting I needed to join via conference bridge. To that end, I left for lunch earlier than usual - 1235pm.  I drove to Lowes to checkout a few things on my list. I didn't necessarily expect or plan to buy anything. I'm due for another haircut after only 4 weeks thanks in part to having it cut a little longer last time, but I wasn't really prepared to do that today. I headed directly to Lowes.

In Lowes, I looked for the Hot Shot ant traps Mindy likes but found them no more. I also looked at grass seed and bagged top soil. I can't let autumn go by without doing a little lawn repair. Should be able to get what I need for under $40 (seed, soil, fertilizer). Lastly, I checked out deck stain again, still not 100% sure whether we'll go solid or semi-transparent, let alone color. I'll bet I spent a solid 45 minutes walking the aisles of Lowes. Time to head back to work.

It was 140pm once I was resettled at my desk with my packed lunch. I ate my lunch all the while working. I joined the 2pm call as planned. Good meeting. After the call I spent an hour or so taking care of a Jimmy to-do that arose from the meeting. It was 330pm before I knew it. I had David Gilmour's On an Island and then Pink Floyd's Meddle whirling in the background through the rest of the afternoon. Nice! I was much looking forward to the weekend and a Friday evening at Barley's, something we haven't done since way back on August 5th.

I packed up for the day around 520pm. By then the building, at least my floor, was completing void of human energy. I might've been one of the last out. It was a warm, toasty walk to the car. I thought I might stop at Kroger and pick up some roses for Mindy. Haven't done so in a while.

As usual, the Kroger lot was packed. I parked in the side pharmacy lot. They had relatively few bunches of full-sized roses, but I was drawn to the more than healthy creamy yellow bunch. I checked the stems to make sure they looked healthy, too. They did. I made a beeline to the checkout line. I was in route to home a couple minutes later. I called Mindy once I was on the road towards 270. She answered via speaker phone sharing that she was just out of the shower. I offered to let her go, but she wanted to chat. The kids were already off with their daddy, though the weekend plans had changed some.

Originally, Jim was going to bring them back early Saturday morning so he could head to the opening OSU football game against Akron. But now one of his bff's, Pez, was in town and staying at his place. Pez agreed to keep the kids until later in the afternoon and would bring Bella home for her sleepover around 2pm. Jacob wanted to stay with Pez.  That would make our morning a little easier too.

I arrived home somewhere near 6pm. Mindy was still upstairs dressing/primping for a night out.  I put my lunch containers in the dishwasher then headed to my PC with a lid full of dry roasted peanuts for a snack. There, I worked on my Wednesday & Thursday blog entries that were both already underway but so far incomplete. Mindy came down a few minutes later to find her roses. She expressed appreciation for  them, of course.

I headed up to change out of my jeans and polo around 630pm. Too hot for jeans. I slipped into cut-off jean shorts complete with bullet holes and a tie-dye t-shirt. I felt enlivened in my 70's garb. :) I spent a few more minutes fine tuning my Thursday blog entry while Mindy walked down to see Chrissy. She took Eiknarf too, and left her there. Chrissy agreed to keep her for a few hours.

We left for Barley's around 645pm. As usual, Mindy invited most of our peeps via text and email. Many had other plans, but a few still planned on joining us. I didn't care either way.  I wanted some cold quality micro brew, good food, and  in a relaxing atmosphere. And Barley's generally provides all the above. 

We got a decent parking spot, one near the restaurant door and also one I hoped would protect one side of the new Accord. The bar was fairly full inside. I was greeted with a very warm welcome from some of our peeps, both patrons and employees. It's nice to be missed. And much to Mindy's dismay, they said they've missed my singing, and were hopeful for a rowdy night. Now that brought a smile to my face. Soon two of Mindy's teacher pals arrived and the three of them grabbed a barside table. I chose to stand having sat most of the day.

My first beer was their new Indie Pale Ale. It's hoppy and very bitter. I liked it much. Mindy and her peeps ordered food right away. I did not. Mindy insisted I eat this time, and I planned to, but not until my first beer was toast. Mindy ordered their special, a Cobbler sandwich.

I ate the pickles on Mindy's plate and then ordered my own food, the Cuban with bacon. While standing, a bar stool opened next to my pal Steve W., who was seated at the bar chatting with two other peeps, Jack and Leslie (two really interesting folks). There I ate my Cuban and had a second beer, only this time an Ohio Brew Kettle, White Rajah. It was so yummy. Think IPA with a hint of pine. Our conversation was stirring. Mindy was still at the barside table talking with her two school peeps. Probably the most time we've spent apart at Barley's in a long while.

I eventually ordered a 2nd White Rajah, my last beer. Mindy joined us at the bar after her friends left. We probably hung out another half hour. April said she was disappointed that I was so quiet. There's no doubt a correlation between my beer consumption and noise/fun level.

Mindy picked up our skimpy $35 tab. Not bad for two dinners and drinks for the evening. Mindy asked that I drive. Not sure how many wines she had, but probably two.  As soon as we arrived home we headed to the neighbors to fetch Eiknarf. As we suspected, everybody was down at Mike & Teri's on the patio. Mindy took a glass of wine and I took a CBC IPA.

We chatted with our neighbors for about an hour, talking mostly about NYC, 9-11, and the new WTC. Mindy and I headed for home still well ahead of midnight. We headed directly to bed. Good night IPA!

Runnin' in Green & Black

Just as we were getting into bed, Mindy shared that the power flickered earlier in the evening. The end result being a flashing bedroom clock. Crap! I was tired and comfy so that frustrated me. I had no choice but to get back up and reset my bedroom clock. Mindful of my quirkiness, I was certain that I reset it 2 hours and 10 minutes fast.

Well, come Thursday morning Mindy woke me telling me that it was 540am. At first, I wanted to debate/argue that it was really 330am, but I knew that Mindy was using her own clock. I decided I’d better get up and get moving. I could smell the coffee brewing, another sure sign that it was indeed time to get up. I brushed my teeth, grabbed my running clothes, and headed downstairs.

I quickly worked through sit-ups and push-ups then poured some coffee and sat down at the PC. There I checked a few emails, websites, and the weather. It was a balmy 67 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. No immediate threat of rain, however.

Quickly, I prepped and delivered Mindy’s coffee. I headed back downstairs where I meditated and stretched. I was ready for my run by 640am donning for the first time my brand new running shoes. I wore a short sleeved wicking shirt, which was just a tad overbearing, especially once I was well into the run. I worked up one heck of a sweat, but it is still summer. The new running shoes were very comfortable. Like medicine for the feet. I really taken a liking to Asics. They’re perfect for me.

I ran the full 4.1 mile track and was back home near 715am. I took a few minutes to water the grass between the walk and street. Still showing signs of stress. I headed inside where Mindy had my breakfast ready and waiting. Just before Mindy left for school, I let her know that I had a sales branch meeting in the late afternoon and then a social hour planned at Digger & Finch afterwards. I felt obligated to at least make a showing. However, I still planned to meet her at Bella’s 3^rd grade open house come 6pm.

I gave Eiknarf what was left of Tuesday’s scrambled eggs that I've kept refrigerated for two days. I then headed off to the shower during which Bella and Jacob, I later learned, were playing some sort of football in their bedrooms - think noisy.

It was just after 8am by the time I made it downstairs. Not sure where all the time went. Perhaps lost seeking out and replacing the batteries in my beard trimmer. It wasn’t long before the kids and I headed out. We wouldn’t be meeting Chrissy and the girls there. She was taking Jake & Lillian to the orthodontist early. She told Mindy to let me know.

By bus time, the early morning clouds had moved out completely. Nothing but beautiful blue skies overhead, just like one might expect in early September. In turn, I planned to drive the BM’er. I asked Bella to take hold of Eiknarf while I moved the Accord out of the BM’ers path and parked along the street. As soon as the kids were off on the bus I headed back home and gathered my gear for work and left for the office at roughly 821am.

It was already warm, but expected to get much warmer as the day wore on -  mid 90's.

Arrived at the office around 835am and was quickly settled in. Early on my boss stopped by to say hello and tell me how good a job I did the day before with my presentation. That was nice to hear.

I spent most of the morning pulling August data for September reports. Felt good to get an early jump on things.  I was able to do it because there were very few urgent emergency issues to contend with. The one that came up I dealt with promptly. I took a few minutes near 1pm to eat my packed lunch but didn’t go anywhere. The branch meeting was slated to begin at 330pm. I wasn't entirely sure how long that would last but got a sense that it wouldn’t go too long. The sentiment I gathered from the hallways was that the team was more eager to go for drinks and appetizers afterwards.

I headed down to the meeting near 325pm, my first such meeting with the entire sales branch. I know a majority of the folks but there were still a handful I’d only seen around. This is a far different crowd than my old work peeps. The meeting consisted of some relative stats and lots of props for the contributing sales folks. I wasn’t expecting it, but my boss had me stand and enjoy a little praise for doing such a good job in my first two months. That was nice!

The meeting concluded by 410pm. We were free to head directly to Digger & Finch. I had a few loose ends to tie up back in my office. I’m thinking that it was near 430 when I headed out. I called Mindy just to remind her of my intentions and that I still planned to make the open house.

It was a warm but nice drive up Riverside Dr to Digger & Finch. I thought I might be the first one there but that wasn’t the case. About 6 others. I worked my way around the bar to the peeps and eventually ordered a Great Lakes Burning River draft. I noticed this big guy sitting at a nearby table. He looked familiar but couldn’t quite put my finger on how/why or from where. I let it go and instead spent time socializing with my new team. On the side, I asked the senior sales manager to clarify what some of the abbreviations meant in the his presentation. He happily clarified.

We eventually made our way to the patio where the servers brought a giant tray of veggies and several baskets of varied appetizers. I only partook in the assorted veggies – mostly baby carrots and celery.  Again, I made it a point to talk to people whom I wouldn’t normally, which I think is the whole idea. Was nice to bond. As I expected it might, time was moving fast. My drop dead time to fly was 540p – originally 530pm. My boss got their late, or about 525pm. I knew I wanted to be there when he arrived.

He joined us out on the patio and said he’d been inside for a handful of minutes talking with an old pal, Jim Karsatos, former OSU quarterback. Instantly I remembered that was guy I spotted sitting off to the side at a table. Now 540pm, after a little more chit-chat I begged out sharing that I needed to head off to a school function. A couple others did the same thing.

Because I was in the BM’er and my phone stowed in the trunk, I didn’t bother calling Mindy during my drive. I made better time than I expected arriving at Bella’s school by 605pm. I got a premo parking spot, and the last one in the main lot. Someone must’ve just left.

I headed in where I greeted Mindy already sitting in the gymnasium listening to the opening spiel about the upcoming school levy. I wasn’t too pleased about it, feeling like a sucker listening to a sales pitch. That's not why I came. But, from their perspective, they had a captive audience, why not take advantage?  Soon they moved beyond the levy sales pitch and on to the 3^rd grade presentation. Each of the four  3^rd grade teachers going over a piece.

They were well organized and quick. After the general presentation we were released to our child’s individual classroom where we would meet and talk with the teacher, in our case, Mrs Anderson. Jacob had her two years ago, so we know her fairly well. She seems like a good teacher, and Mindy really likes her.

As everyone was gathering, Mrs Anderson talked to Mindy and I specifically about Bella and then sharing a funny story. Seems they were reading a story that involved a law suit. And when Mrs Anderson asked the students if anyone knew what a law suit was, Bella quickly raised her hand to share her insight. Bella went on to tell the class that her daddy is a lawyer and that he wears a law suit to work everyday. Too cute!

The meeting lasted longer than it needed to, but it still went fast enough. We left for home around 7pm. I offered that Bella could ride in the BM’er with me, but she declined thinking there a far better chance that Mindy would make a stop at McDonald’s. Mindy pressed me for a dining out option, even suggesting the Big Fat. But I wasn’t really hungry and declined.  I wanted to go home.

I headed straight home expecting Mindy & Bella to stop somewhere along the way for food.  Jacob, by the way, was at Thursday soccer practice. I was home in a hurry. I quickly sorted my back pack and put my dirty lunch containers in the dishwasher. Mindy and Bella were home before too long. They had no food in tow. I was a little surprised. Bella wasn't too thrilled about it, either. We ended up having hot dogs. Well, Mindy and I actually had Johnsonville turkey brats. I microwaved some Hormel chili to top mine. I made two but ate only one. I was full.

In the back of my mind was NFL preseason football, this already being the last week.. Regular season begins next Sunday on my birthday. Wahoo! All but one remaining preseason game would be played Thursday night. And I was hopeful that the Vikings game might be on TV. I searched the on screen program guide only to be disappointed. There were two games on - Bengals vs. Colts and Browns vs Bears. I started watching the Bengals versus the Colts until Jacob got home. He wanted to watch the Browns, his favorite team. I honored his request, not having much vested in either team. We bounced back and forth during TV time outs.

I eventually went to my PC to pull up NFL updates on Yahoo sports. The Vikings were holding at 0-0 against the Texans after 1 quarter, which would be the last time I checked the score.

While the kids showered, Mindy and I tuned once again to Rising, on the Discovery Channel. This episode focused on the new transportation hub being built underneath the new WTC. And let me just say, nothing short of amazing, both in the design and the construction. I can't wait until it's fully completed in 2014. They're likening it to what a marvel Grand Central Terminal was in its heyday, only now in the 21st century.

After the show, Mindy peeled off to bed. I wasn't far behind. It was 10pm and I was feeling really sleepy. I needed a good night of sleep. I checked the kids on my way to our room. Both were out cold. Rare for Bella.

End of Summer ... sorta

I overslept by roughly 15 minutes after waking initially at 507am thinking I’d sleep perhaps another 20 minutes. That meant I’d have to alter my routine ever so slightly to help get back on track.

I gazed skyward while slipping into my old black exercise tennies. I could see a few stars but it wasn’t nearly as clear as it was on Tuesday morning. I headed to the livingroom where I whipped out sit-ups then jumped on the PC just long enough to check the current weather. It was 66 degrees under mostly clear skies.

I headed to the familyroom next where I did 55 push-ups. Felt good. It was already after 6am. I poured two cups of coffee, one for me and one for Mindy. I went ahead and delivered hers right then. She asked that I close the bedroom window and turn off the ceiling fan. Yes dear.

Back downstairs I spent a little more time on the PC, or until 615am when I moved on to meditation and a stretch. Both of those took me just past 630am. I was dressed for my run still ahead of 640am. I decided to go with a short sleeved wicking shirt given the much warmer temps (ten degrees warmer than Tuesday).

I stretched my hammies from the stoop then dashed off on my 4.1 mile morning run. I felt great and full of energy from the outset. I ran hard and finished strong. No struggle whatsoever. I was back at home near 715am. Jacob was out front of Chrissy’s house just finishing up a walk with Eiknarf. I took the leash so he could dispose of her waste and heads inside. He went in the back, me in the front. As I entered the house I asked who left Eiknarf wandering around out front. My joke fell on deaf ears. Mindy was upstairs.

Mindy was back downstairs putting the finishing touches on breakfast. Soon I had two farm fresh chicken eggs cooked over easy resting in front of me with half a dry English muffin. Just the way I ordered it. Bella was having a toasted bagel but complained about it being burnt. It really wasn’t. Instead, it was just brown from the toaster. She was making a mess picking off the toasted part.  I showed her how to use a butter knife to scrape away the toasty part.

Mindy soon departed for school leaving me and the kids behind to finish our own prep. She reminded me about Jacob’s school open scheduled for 6pm. Wondered if I planned to make it. Left it open-ended since I’d be commuting home from the New Albany area in rush hour traffic.

Off to the shower soon after 730am. Found myself back downstairs around 750am. Made double sure I packed the  power cord and mouse for my laptop this time, though I finally got the replacement battery I needed, so I wouldn’t be SOL without it like last time had I somehow forgotten again. The kids and I headed out around 810am. Met up with Mike O, who was out walking with his two puppies, Chester & Shamrock. They love playing with the pugs, and the pugs seem to like them too. Chrissy and the girls were out a few minutes later. Mike hung out at the bus stop with us until the bus arrived.

Eiknarf and I headed home in a jiffy. I gave her a chance to relieve herself again, but she didn’t take advantage.

I finished my cup of coffee then left for work. After taking I-670 across town the last time, I learned my lesson. I took I-270 all the way around this time. It might be a few more miles but it goes so much faster. Didn’t have any back-ups and only a brief slow down right at I-71 but the passing lane maintained near normal speed. I was there by 855am.

Hadn’t been there since Aug 3, a full 4 weeks. I greeted my peeps as I made my way to my once-a-week digs. Had my phone working this time. My space is about as bare bones as it could possibly be, but I don’t mind. I suppose I could and might ask for some storage shelves later. We’ll see. A couple folks stopped by joking about my extended absence. I took my packed lunch to the fridge, this time remaining totally in the moment so not to forget where it is.

One of the managers stopped by to let me know that they canceled the 10am call, the thinking being that we’d simply combine it with my 1pm presentation. That made total sense to me. I spent the entire morning working ongoing matters. 1pm came around fast. I headed to the conference room to set up a few minutes early. I was joined by the actual account manager, who also works onsite, but in a different building. Several others, including my boss, joined remotely via conference bridge. The presentation went perhaps even better than I expected. We finished in just over 30 minutes.

Headed back to my cube before 2pm. I tinkered with leaving for lunch but in the end decided to not. Instead, I caught up on more work and went after my packed food. The afternoon went fast. No one brought me any urgent-emergency type stuff.

I packed for home just before 5pm hoping to get a little jump on the traffic. I talked with Mindy as soon as I got on I-270. She was home and prepping to head to Jacob's open house. Planned to leave the house at 530pm, which was about the same time that I expected to arrive home. Traffic around 270 was heavy but not in a snarl, at least until I got around to north Hilliard.

Thankfully though, it loosened up just south of Hilliard Cemetery Rd. Mindy called just as I was turning onto Wilson off Roberts. We passed a few seconds later. It was 530pm on the nose and they were on their way to the open house. Looked like I'd have some alone time. Yippie!

Immediately in the door I looked for my new running shoes, hoping they might've arrived and that Mindy just forgot to tell me. No such joy. I took care of my chores and prepped Thursday's coffee. After about ten minutes I headed to my PC to check email. What's this? There in my computer chair was a box from Finish Line. My new running shoes did arrive after all! Yeah!

I opened the box and verified they were the correct model and size. I slipped them on loosely (untied). They felt good and looked good - black and vibrant green. I wore them around the house while I puttered. I finally got around to sorting my bill pile. Haven't done so, at least completely, for about three months. It really doesn't take that long at all, and most I find can be pitched. Lots of credit related junk mail. Felt somewhat cleansed once done. I'm sure you can relate.

Now full of energy (funny how that works), I headed out to water the strip of grass between the walk and street as wells as the flowers around back. I was expecting Mindy home anytime. After watering all the flowers I walked around to visit my tomato plants. I wasn't quite prepared for what I found. Instead of 5 healthy plants full of promising green maters, most of the plants had been ravaged either by man or beast. And on closer inspection most of the plant stalks were broken off about a foot above ground. The plants now withering without roots or water. I was pissed! The break looked almost too clean to be by beast, almost as if done my man's hand. But who would be so mean? That set me in a funk for the rest of the evening.

I spent the rest of my alone time updating my blog and adding pictures. Mindy called at some point to let me know they were done with the open house and planning a stop for fast food. She offered to bring me some.  I refused the kind gesture having a greater yes burning inside. I'm guessing she and the kids got home around 730pm. They quickly settled in at the kitchen table eating their fast food.  I actually ate the lone leftover chicken enchilada a bit earlier.  

The rest of the evening was pretty much a blur. We chatted some and then tuned the TV to the Discovery Channel, though I can't recall what we watched. Mindy and the kids were in bed by 930pm. I was just a little bit later. Good night new shoes!

Fryin' Pan for BABIES!

I was up right on time after another sound night of sleep. Yet despite the good sleep, I really wanted more pillow time. However, that wasn't in the cards. I got up anyway. It was rather chilly in the bedroom after sleeping with the window opened. I brushed my teeth then headed downstairs.

I glanced out back marveling at the clear, star-filled sky. It was as clear as I’ve seen it in recent memory. In fact, after whipping out sit-ups and push-ups I took a few minutes to head out on the deck with my mini-binoculars in hand. I gaze skyward, but struggled to get focused on the stars I was most interested in. I gave up after a couple minutes. Viewing with the naked eye was just as enjoyable.

With coffee in hand, I made my way to the PC where I checked the weather forecast. At the time, it was only 57 degrees with the promise of sunny skies and a high of 84 degrees predicted for the afternoon. Nice! And then it's supposed to get really warm by the work week’s end though – well into the 90’s, in fact. My thoughts immediately turned to Mindy and how she'll absolute hate hearing about that given her un-air conditioned classroom. . Looking ahead to next week, there's typical September weather on its way, and just in time for my birthday week - mid 70’s and sunshine. Very nice!

Come 6am I pulled myself away from the PC and delivered Mindy’s coffee. She asked me to close the open bedroom window. Afterwards, I headed to the family room for meditation and stretching. Finished up by 625am, and quickly dressed for a run. After the morning run the day before, it was an easy decision to wear a long sleeved running shirt today. Felt a bit awkward and restrictive at first but comfortable once outdoors.

I ran the full 4.1 miles without a problem. The sky was gorgeous through sunrise. Before heading back in the house after my run, I took a few minutes to water the grass between the sidewalk and street, especially where WOW dug up my yard to splice their damaged cable. The irrigation system would kick on around 845am, but that area needs a little more TLC right now.

When turning off the hose I noticed that the basement light was on thanks to the nearby  window. Inside I asked Mindy if someone was down there. Yes, it was her. She was getting some meat from the freezer for the crock-pot. Just making sure. My eggs, meanwhile, were already done. Mindy used the tiny new egg pan she bought over the weekend. She was busy prepping boneless chicken breasts for the crock-pot that would eventually become enchiladas.

Learned that Bella was grounded from screens once again for leaving her TV on all night. This is a pet peeve of Mindy’s, and something that Bella does frequently even though she knows she's not allowed to watch TV past a certain hour. Bella tried denying any knowledge of how her TV got on. Mindy wasn’t buying it. She gave no clue as to how long she’d be grounded. Bella was not happy.

Mindy left for school near 730am. I reheated some of the scrambled eggs I had stashed in the fridge for Eiknarf. She must’ve smelt them as she was crying for them. Off to the shower a few minutes later.

After a shave and a shower, I was dressed and downstairs by 750am. I played around online, tidied up the kitchen, and started the dishwasher before heading out with the kids. The time went fast. Headed out the door at 810am. Met Chrissy and the girls at the bus stop. One of her girls forgot something again and had to run back in the house. Chrissy asked Ms Vanorder to wait. She did so willingly.

Eiknarf and I walked back home, her sniffing around but not taking care of any further business. The house all in order, I was off to my ortho appointment by 822am.

It’s a quick drive up and around I-270 to Dr Monfort’s Dublin office. I arrived a couple minutes early at 838am. Janice saw me come in and called me back right away, Cool!

Dr Monfort was busy with a vendor who sounded as though he was giving him an estimate for some office remodel work. Janice got my new removable retainer ready for the fitting. Dr Monfort was over a minute or two later. I’ll bet I wasn’t’ in the chair more than 4 or 5 minutes. That’s it. I was done. Left with the retainer in. Have a good day!

I arrived at work by 855a and was settled in a few minutes later. While down on the fifth floor filling my pitcher with ice and water, I stopped by my old digs to say hello to my peeps. We talked for about 30 minutes. One of my former directs was excited to share that he’s taken a transfer to Florida – something he’s aspired to do for several months running. I only encouraged him when he reported to me.

Headed back to my office around 945am.The work day ended up going by pretty fast, especially considering that I didn’t bother taking a formal lunch break. I had nothing I wanted or needed to do. However, I did do a little personal writing sandwiched in between several work related tasks. My main goal for the day was to have my customer facing report in a powerpoint presentation ready for Wednesday. I’d be working from their site on Wednesday.

I left the office for the day around 520pm. Thought I might get home a few minutes early. For one reason or another, I kept thinking that it was Wednesday. Long week after just two days. On my way to my car I ran into an old friend and co-worker. We chatted in the parking lot for quite a while – maybe 15 minutes. I called Mindy once I was on the road.

She sounded as if she was in a far better place than she was the evening before. Said she was busy prepping dinner – chicken enchiladas. That sounded awfully good. We chatted only briefly. I arrived home just after 6pm. Jacob was off to soccer practice with his daddy. It was just the three of us for dinner. It was on the table a few minutes after I got myself settled.

Unless I’m mistaken, this was Mindy’s third go round making chicken enchiladas. And this batch was by far the best – super tender, moist and flavorful. She made Mexican rice too. I liked it as well. I ended up eating 1-1/3 enchiladas.  I managed clean-up and coffee prep while Mindy prepared Wednesday lunches. Mindy said something about helping Bella learn to ride her bike (still doesn’t know how). Also suggested calling my dad to come over to teach her. I begged off for a brief nap. I laid in the recliner eager for some sleep.

At one point I was lying there wondering if I could really fall asleep. The next minute I was waking up feeling totally refreshed. Couldn’t have been more than 10-15 minutes. Mindy came inside to let me know that she and my dad were outside with Bella. Said my dad just pulled up. I headed out telling my dad I lost the bet. I didn’t think he would come over.

Dad was busy guiding/helping Bella essentially with the same technique he used successfully with Jacob. Basically has her completely ignore the pedals and instead focus on learning to coast down the gradual hill in front of our house. All this effort to hopefully establish a sense of balance. As athletic as Bella is, and with a good sense of balance, I was surprised at how difficult learning to ride a bike has been for her. She gave up after taking a couple small spills in the grass. At one point she started crying and even tossed her helmet in disgust. She headed inside. Dad seemed to feel that she was right there – close to getting it. I wasn‘t so sure having experienced a similar result with her last summer.

Mindy asked dad if he’d eaten dinner, and talked him into coming inside and having some of her chicken enchiladas. He accepted and really liked them. Jacob got home soon after we headed inside. He was hungry too, after two hours of soccer practice.

I split my time between editing my blog and talking with the family. At some point Mindy shared Jacob’s journal entry where he had to write about himself. It was surprisingly well written, complete and creative thoughts. However, he totally dissed his sister Bella by writing that the day she was adopted was the worst day of his life. I wasn’t the slightest bit amused - angry even.

Dad left for home around 830pm. May not see him again before his knee surgery scheduled for the Tuesday after Labor Day. Mindy had the kids get showers over the course of the next half hour while I finished editing my last four blog entries. I was tired and didn’t’ bother publishing any of them. Maybe Wednesday.

I headed to the sofa just after 9pm, and then at Mindy’s prompting, tuned to the third episode of Rising on the Discovery Channel, the program that we DVR’d Sunday night. Despite saying that she was completely exhausted, Mindy watched most of it with me. Jacob headed to bed right after his shower, and according to Mindy was already sound asleep. Bella was another story, up in her bed but wide awake. J She sought my tuck in mid-program. I obliged her request. It’s important to her. 

Mindy headed to bed ahead of me, or around 955pm. I stayed up until the end of the program, which concluded around 1010pm. I was tired and headed up to bed after securing the home. Good night moon.

Celestial Bodies

I fell asleep with relative ease the night before, and slept rather soundly until about 520am when I woke for a time check. Still early, I snuck in another five minutes before popping up and out of bed for good.

I had failed to prep coffee the night before, so after brushing my teeth I headed to the kitchen to address that task post haste. I was ready for exercise by 530am. I slipped into my exercise tennies then gave a quick glance out the back door. The sky was mostly cloudy, which came as a bit of a surprise.

I headed to the livingroom where I whipped out sit-ups then immediately headed for the kitchen where I did push-ups. I was done with exercise by 540am and busy pouring a cup of coffee. I spent a good 15 minutes on line reading about the hurricane’s impact on NYC and then some sports related headlines. I read an email from Glenn sharing his flight itinerary for a late October trip home. Sounds like they’ve had a dismal summer in the PNW. Met a girl from the northern reaches of Washington State while in NYC. She concurred – cool and rainy.

Delivered Mindy’s first cup of coffee just after 6am and just ahead of meditation and a stretch. Both tasks were in the bag by 620am, and soon I was dressed for a run. I double checked the temperature – 62 degrees. I was iffy on my choice for an upper layer, not sure if I should have gone with a long sleeved wicking shirt. I chose a shirt sleeved shirt. I was fine but a tad chilly right out the door. I told myself right then that if it gets any cooler, as is predicted, I’ll have to make the switch. The only reason we were in the low 60’s then was due to the unexpected cloud cover.

The cool temps actually felt really nice once I got a quarter mile or so under my belt. The sky was trying to clear out, but it was slow going. The trash truck was right behind me at the outset. I took ours out even before exercise having forgotten to put it out the night before. Actually, it’s Jacob’s job. I ran the full 4.1 mile track and was back home ahead of 710am.

Mindy had scrambled eggs on the stove. The first such go around in a long while. I enjoyed my breakfast right along side the children after Jacob returned from walking Eiknarf. To change things up a bit, I asked Mindy to buy pineapple orange juice. Both Bella and I gave the subtle change a thumbs up. Mindy packed me a salad and fruit. All I had to prep was cheese, and then pluck a banana from the bunch. She left for school around 730a, or shortly after helping Bella with her hair. I headed for a shower a couple minutes later.

After a shave and a shower, I was downstairs dressed for the go by 750am. I used the time ahead of bus time to pay my bills online. Still with plenty of time, I went ahead and renewed the vehicle registration for both the BM’er and boat trailer. Sad, I still have this year’s boat trailer sticker for the ready. That was fairly painless. Done in a jiffy.

Not sure if I mentioned it or not, but the county completed their property value reassessment this summer and sent out the new values last week. Our home value went down by about 18%, which is about what I expected. For my money, it was long overdue. I’ve felt that our value was way too high for several years now. That’ll reduce our annual property taxes by a nice chunk. Should recognize those savings come December, about the time the latest school levy will go into affect. J

The kids and I headed out to the bus stop by 810am. The bus arrived about 5 minutes early again, which suits me just fine. Gives me half a chance to get to work somewhere close to 830am. Clouds to the east but blue to the west. The sun was busting through what remained of the overnight cloud cover. Nice to see.

Eiknarf wanted to walk before heading in. I assumed she needed to go, and she did. Off to work by 821am. Had to turn on the rear defogger. Nice drive in. It’s getting’ to be premo BM’er weather. Hopefully, I’ll be driving it a lot during September and early October.

Work was fun. Spent the majority of my day further fine tuning my customer facing monthly report, and then getting a jump on a quarterly report, but that won’t be presented until late October.

I made it a point to take a lunch break at 130pm, or immediately following a weekly conference call. I headed to Target and then Home Depot. At Target I picked up some more eye drops and ball needles. Jacob goes through ball needles like candy.

Next door at Home Depot, I picked up some ant traps. Mindy said the one’s she bought are ineffective. Wanted more Hot Shot traps like the ones I bought last spring. Couldn’t find the exact match, but did get some made by Hot Shot. We’ll see.  Browsed a few other aisles too. Bought nothing else. Back to work.

 I was gone for no more than 40 minutes, but it felt good just the same. Back at my desk, I ate my packed lunch (salad, cheese and fruit). It hit the spot. I don’t realize that I’m hungry until I start eating. Stayed busy all afternoon. Didn’t pack up until 540pm. The last hour always flies by. I didn’t talk with Mindy all day. I called her on my drive home. However, she was busy helping Bella with homework and quickly begged off the call. Sounded aggravated. Not sure why. 

I arrived home right near 6pm. Jacob was just pulling up on his old bike. His new one, by the way, is a piece of S%^&. Mindy was still struggling with Bella’s math homework. After I got settled Mindy threw her assignment my way for another set of eyes. Bella, I think, was relishing the fact that her mommy was stumped. I had the problem solved in about 20 seconds. Mindy was simply trying too hard – a rare case of me getting it and her not.

Dinner was a choice from the plethora of leftovers Mindy had scattered across the island. I joked that I wanted the BW3 wings Jacob had. And while I enjoyed the pasta and shrimp Sunday evening, I didn’t want more. Mindy and Bella both had that. Instead, I reheated steak and mashed potatoes, but not a whole lot.

Mindy was stressing. Asked if I’d be interested in dropping or picking up Bella from gymnastics. It’s a 7-9pm thing twice weekly. I offered to do both if she agreed to water the flowers. She jumped at my offer.  I finished cleaning the kitchen and then a little PC time before it was time to run Bella to gymnastics. It’s not too far at all. We left at 648pm and still were there a couple minutes early. I tinkered with the idea of shopping but in the end headed straight back home.

While Mindy finished the watering, I spent a little more time on the PC writing in my blog. Afterwards, I crept back in the recliner and took a brief nap. Because the knot in my left shoulder blade was spasming all afternoon, I was mindful about the way I laid back in the chair. Most notably, I made it a point to keep my shoulders flat against the recliner’s back. That helped a lot. Snoozed only briefly but effectively. Felt terrific.

Searched for the NFL preseason game between the Jets and Giants only to realize that it wasn’t televised.  It was originally scheduled for Sunday night but moved due to Irene.  I tuned to one of the educational networks instead. I got up to go after Bella around 845pm. Honestly, I was feeling kind of grumpy. Not entirely sure why.

The drive did me some good. Arrived a few minutes early. Headed inside to watch the final minutes of practice. They were calling Bella ‘speedy. She was running really fast in her approach to the tumbling drill. Too fast, really, but she’ll learn.

Bella shared her frustration with spending time at her daddy’s place every other weekend. Says she has no friends, no social life, nothing to do. It’s always daddy playing with Jacob. Wants him to move elsewhere so she can make friends. I was careful with my response, not wanting to sound like I might be bashing her daddy.  I only offered that she consider inviting a friend, such as Makayla along one weekend.

Once at home, Bella enjoyed the slice of keylime pie she’d asked for earlier. She was then dispatched to the shower. It was already 915pm. I tuned back into the educational programming and watched a show about asteroids, comets, and meteorites. Prior, I’d never given much thought to the differences. I enjoyed it much. Mindy and the kids were off to bed well before 10pm. I decided to stay up for a while longer. Bella eventually joined me asking me to come up and tuck her in. After doing so I headed back downstairs where I snacked on some pita chips while watching the conclusion to the asteroid program. Mindy had the bedroom window opened and the AC off. Trying it again.

Good night celestial bodies.

Kentucky?

I let myself sleep in as long as I wanted. I slept until 8am. And figuring I fell asleep somewhere near midnight, I got a full 8 hours of sleep. As I headed out the door, Mindy asked that I bring her coffee in a little while.  I acknowledged her request as I tip-toed down the stairs.

Because it was Sunday, I didn’t do any calisthenics. Instead, as soon as I started the coffee, I sat down in front of my PC. For starters, I read about the Vikings 23-17 preseason loss to the Cowboys. Vikings had a field goal blocked and returned for a touchdown. That was the difference – a ten point swing.

Sipped coffee while playing at the PC. Weather was ideal, about 64 and sunny under beautiful blue skies, which was more than I could say for NYC. Good thing I wasn’t still there. First and earthquake and now hurricane Irene was wreaking havoc with NYC and the Jersey shoreline. The good news was that the storm had lessoned to some extent, although heavy rains were still expected to pound and flood the area.

Eiknarf was crying from Jacob’s room. Went and fetched her, leashed her up and headed out on a walk. She took care of business fairly quickly.  No sooner were we back when Bella and Olivia joined me downstairs. Immediately, Olivia asked to play Wii. As always, until everyone else was up, the answer was no.

Both of the girls asked for whipped cream on their fingers.  I obliged their request. They asked for coffee too. Instead of no, I made them each a cup of fru-fru coffee – mostly chocolate milk with just a hint of coffee. They loved it.

Mindy was up around 9am, or just about the time I was preparing for my run. She all but insisted I spend a little time with her out on the deck. My mind was all set to run, but I gave her five minutes anyhow. I’m guessing that it was near 930am when I finally dressed and left for a run.

I ran three miles without any problem whatsoever. Of course, I didn’t expect any either. As soon as I was back, Mindy asked if I still planned on getting donuts with Bella. Yes. I said we’d go ahead and take the Honda so I wouldn’t have to jockey the cars around to get to the BM’er. Mindy quickly said that Bella was looking forward to a ride in the BM’er. She was right. I did tell her as much. I moved the Accord to the street to unblock the BM’ers path out.

Bella and I headed off for Tim Horton’s right up the road. Didn’t take long. We got a dozen donuts and 20 Tim-Bits. The girl working the donut counter was a bit aloof. Seemed stoned even. Laughed incessantly when she almost fell over. Scary! 

Mindy had pancakes ready for the kids by the time we were back home. I said I wasn't interested in any, but eventually ate one of the plain one’s. I passed on the donuts, at least for the time being. After the kids enjoyed their donuts we headed out back to swing. I already knew that Ashley was on her way to pick-up Olivia. Lindsey called a little earlier from Ashley’s house. Rode the bus their from the YMCA downtown. Heading to church.  We talked briefly. Said she’s not liking it much. Says it’s dirty, but then again no dirtier than her mother’s place. I chuckled about that. It pains me much to think that my kid and here kids are living/staying at the ‘Y’, but she’s got to forge her own path. Can’t help her more than providing encouragement.

Ashley was over by 11am to fetch Olivia. She came out back and watched us swing.  I could easily sense that Ashley had something she wanted to tell me. I didn’t prod, however. By the way, her teeth are already moving back into place after having her braces installed for only about ten days. More importantly, she feels good about it.

As we walked back towards the house Ashley came clean. She said she’s giving strong consideration to moving to Kentucky, where Steven’s father and step-mother reside.  She cited several reasons, as if she had to justify it to me. She didn’t mention her mother’s response, but did share that her grandma went off about it. I only said that she needs to follow her heart and dreams. Live her own life. Now believe me, the last thing I want is for my daughter and grand daughter to move away, but I also realize you only live once. If that’s her calling, who am I to rain on her parade?  Several thoughts/questions raced through my head, but I knew then wasn’t the time to espouse them. She said her stomach was in knots thinking about telling me. I laughed about that.

In the end, she said it wouldn’t be any sooner than next spring, after her orthodontics are completed and only after she secures a new job/career down there. She again cited several reasons for the move, most of which I cringed at, but once again opted to only listen and encourage. Also whirling in the back of my mind were my own youthful moves to Florida and California. Those experiences were invaluable to me.

Can’t recall if I or Ashley told Mindy once inside. Like me, Mindy only encouraged her to follow her dreams. And as she often does, Mindy offered Ashley some gas money just before they departed. She said she didn’t need it.

As soon as they were gone, I headed out to start on the lawn. Mindy said she’d be making a run to Target shortly. I asked only that she get me some work gum. Once engrossed in the lawn work, I asked Mindy to move her Pilot to the driveway’s center enabling me to edge and mow without concern for the vehicle. She obliged.

It was warm and sunny, but far less humid than it’s been all summer. I worked up only a mild sweat. The mowing part behind me, I kept at it, moving on to weed whacking next. Initially, I chose not to bother changing out the line to the thicker stuff I bought on Thursday. But once one side broke off, I decided it was time to give it a whirl. Took about five minutes to reload the spool with the .95 mm line.  Wow! Should’ve done that a long time ago. Did the entire yard without needing to tap n’ go even once. Nice!

After finishing the edging and blowing, I headed inside for a shower. I was itchy from  bits of lawn debris. Mindy wondered if I was planning to go somewhere. Nope, just getting the grass off. I was done working too. Wanted to relax. After my shower I got comfortable in the recliner and started to dose. It was 255pm when Mindy said she was leaving for Target. Wasn’t sure exactly where the kids were. No worries. I’d take care of them.

She wasn’t out the front door for 20 seconds when Bella came in the back door asking for her mom. Said she was back to go to Target with her. Oops! Told her to hurry and catch her backing out the driveway. Only problem was, Mindy was already down the road. Bella was disappointed, but not distraught.

I spent the rest of my afternoon napping and playing on the PC. At some point I ate some leftover pizza. It was good. I’m guessing that Mindy was back in a little more than a hour. I shared how Bella was disappointed that she missed her. She said she forgot that Bella wanted to go. Said I should’ve called her. Would’ve turned around to get her. Ouch! I told Bella not to bother her. J  No harm. Bella was back outside playing joyfully with her friends.

Mindy started dinner soon after she got back home. She made penne pasta with shrimp. The kids came home from play around 5pm. Said Kenny was on his way down for a visit. Still hadn’t seen Kenny since I’ve been home from NYC. In fact, haven’t seen hide nor hair of him since the last weekend of July. Wow!

Mindy put the finishing touches on dinner while I watched a NatGeo special on the events leading up to 9/11. If memory serves, it all started in 1983. Hmmm? I found the linking fascinating. Did a nice job bringing all the evidence and circumstances to the forefront. Went into extensive detail about the terrorists that actually flew the planes into the WTC. They’d been living amongst us for nearly 2 years.

Dinner was served earlier than usual. Sure enough,. Kenny stopped down, but when he saw that we were eating he said he’d stop by again later. I didn’t realize it at the time but he was home alone with Lillian. Chrissy, Jake, and Makayla were off to church and soccer practice. He could’ve eaten with us.

After dinner and clean-up Mindy asked if I wanted to walk Eiknarf. I suggested we stop down and see the neighbors. Mindy concurred. We took Eiknarf down to the neighbors. Kenny was prepping their dinner for later, making sis kabobs. Looked good. We didn’t stay too long, probably no more than 20 minutes.

I was eager to get home and watch Rising – The Rebuilding of the WTC on Discovery Channel. Turns out, the family watched with me. Interesting story lines following the folks doing the work and hearing the stories that inspired them to be part of the new WTC. Some of the footage was so fresh that it had to have been taken while I was still there. Could see our building in several shots.

We watched for over two hours, eventually bagging it in the third hour and DVR'ing the rest. It was about 1015pm when we all headed for bed. Jacob was asleep even before I made it up to tuck him in. Bella, on the other hand, was still wide awake. Mindy toyed with the idea of sleeping with the windows opened but changed her mind when the house hadn’t cooled as much as she had hoped an hour or so before bedtime.